UniBE talks

Academic freedom and freedom of expression: invitation to exchange experiences, limits and opportunities

 
Are you a doctoral candidate, postdoc or research assistant at the University of Bern? 

Is your research politically and socially relevant? 

Are you wondering how to deal with questions about your own positioning? 

Are you interested in the topic of cancel culture? 

Then you've come to the right place! As the University of Bern's intermediate staff organistaion, we invite you to join us and other interested parties at UniBE talks to discuss this topic in an internal setting. 

What are UniBE talks? 

UniBE talks is a newly initiated series of internal events aimed at members of the intermediate staff at the University of Bern and will be organised in the autumn semester 2024 at the suggestion of the university-wide working group on academic excellence. In addition to Rector Prof. Dr Virginia Richter and Vice-Rector Prof. Dr Heike Mayer and other professors, this working group also includes representatives from the intermediate staff and student body. 

The aim of UniBE talks is to create a safe and constructive echo chamber within the University of Bern. Together with you, we would like to discuss the possibilities and limits of the tensions between academia, engaged scholarship and political activism and talk to you about your experiences. 

UniBE talks is funded by the university management and organised by the intermediate staff organisation (MVUB). The Student Union (SUB) is planning similar events for its members. 

Rules of the game

Whether it is climate change, the Middle East conflict, the pandemic or other socially controversial topics, the political implications of scientific activities are diverse and complex, sometimes difficult and sometimes highly sensitive. In order to create a safe and constructive discussion framework for all UniBE talks participants, they are therefore committed to the following rules and principles: 

• Plurality: We represent different academic disciplines and specialist cultures. Knowing this, our exchange is characterised by respect and mutual understanding.  
• Respect: In order to ensure a constructive exchange in line with scientific standards and to make as many perspectives as possible visible, the MVUB moderates the discussion. Respectful interaction with one another is a matter of course. 
• Confidentiality: UniBE talks take place in camera. The names of the participants are only known to the MVUB as the organiser. All contributions and comments from the talk remain within the framework of this event. If results and information from the event are passed on, this will be done in a generalised and anonymised form.
• Openness and reduction of hierarchy: The meetings within the framework of UniBE talks are organised by the intermediate staff for the intermediate staff. Rector Virginia Richter will attend the event as an audience member. The aim is to break down hierarchies and create closeness between intermediate staff and members of the university management.